Lately it's been easy to focus on the negative aspects of religion, because it is the negative aspects of certain major religions which are so horribly impacting life and politics in so many parts of the world. Rather than just bashing those religions, I think we should be asking ourselves why they have so much control and influence over so many people, what benefits religion offers, and why so many people get bent out of shape when confronted with those of different beliefs than themselves.
Lets face it, folks, very few people are genuinely happy being agnostic. Most people will ascribe to some sort of view of the cosmology of life/death/existence, where we came from, why we are here, and where it's all going. Even atheism answers this question by asserting that physical reality is all there is, that there is no intrinsic meaning to it, and a nihilistic lack of existence is all that there is beyond this mortal coil. While this might seem frightening, for those who believe it is also comforting in its surety.
All major world religions offer a certitude of what has been, what is, and what shall be. They describe the Human place in the world, physically, morally, societally, and cosmologically. They provide guidelines for how to react to events, how to behave, and how not to behave. They don't have to make logical sense. They just need to provide a firm foundation from which to view that great puzzle, Life. They work because most people want to have answers to their Questions ready and waiting for them as soon as they ask. It makes things easy when someone or something else is a ready authority. It takes away the uncertainty and stress of searching for answers. Life is complicated enough for most people without spending time questing for the existential.
Once a person has decided to invest in a particular religious belief, the natural tendency is usually to view that belief as True, and by proxy, all others as False. We do this not just because we are irascible creatures, but also because it helps protect the religious beliefs from being challenged, and thus potentially plunging us back into uncertainty and confusion. When a religion includes tenants commending open-mindedness and acceptance this can be kept in check, because the individual is violating the beliefs he/she seeks to protect when attacking others for perceived Falsehood. When a religion encourages insular, exclusive attitudes, it is a short (and religiously justifiable) step to take the Roman route and "defend" by attacking any potential "enemies".
Despite it's informal structure, Wicca is such a successful and prevalent pagan religion because it also addresses these questions in a very firm manner, and it does so in a way that is completely compatible with modern life. It is also open enough to allow for modification to suit each coven which chooses to practice it.
Other modern renditions of traditional European pagan religions are often more difficult to explain or practice in a modern context due to broken traditions, or traditions which are not practical or not possible in modern society (try to get the permits to build and then burn a long ship as a funeral pyre). This doesn't mean they are invalid, but it does mean that they will never be as attractive to the casual soul-searcher looking for a different religion. Modern Druidism in particular is almost entirely practiced by dedicated individuals who have an unusually strong desire to personally search for answers to the Difficult questions. It does not provide firm answers to any of the Usual questions (let alone the Unusual ones), not in small part because the modern Druid religions have no direct ties to historic religions except through academic-style research. Its overriding emphasis on independent research is very commendable, but not the sort of effort that an average person is going to go to.
Religion is also very much about community. It provides a framework of common ground, and the likelihood of acceptance among practitioners of the religion when one is traveling, or if one moves to a new area. It provides a support network in difficult times, and more smiling faces in celebration, to name just a couple of the community benefits.
After all, while it might be nice to be alone sometimes, the life of The Hermit is a lonely one. Is it really any wonder that the vast majority of people ascribe to some religion, or periodically try out new religions in search of a good fit?
If you are currently in a religious community, what benefits does it provide in your life? Mine provides friendship, mutual encouragement and support, a place of sanctuary, and eager conversation about research. It is solely because of the wonderful friends I made and the community they created that I am now a practicing Wiccan.
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